Noida, Sep 21 (APAC Media): The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will come into force on October 20, providing duty-free access to 100 per cent of Indian exports to the New Zealand market, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday.
The agreement, signed by the two countries in New Delhi on April 27, will come into effect on the occasion of Vijay Dashami after both sides have completed the required domestic procedures.
“I’m delighted that we are taking forward the next important milestone in our bilateral economic partnership: the entry into force of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which will come into force on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra on the 20th of October, 2026,” Goyal said.
The minister said the pact would provide Indian exporters with duty-free access across all tariff lines in New Zealand from the first day of implementation.
“100 per cent of our exports to NZ will be duty-free from day one,” Goyal said.
The India-New Zealand FTA will bring prosperity & deliver mutual benefits for both nations. 🇮🇳🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/E4zTtcQ6gv
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) September 21, 2026
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The agreement is expected to create greater opportunities for Indian exporters in sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and auto components, agriculture and processed food products.
The pact also seeks to expand bilateral trade in goods and services. India and New Zealand have set an aspirational target of doubling bilateral trade to around Rs 35,000 crore over the coming years.
New Zealand will also receive greater access to the Indian market under the agreement. Tariffs will be eliminated or reduced on products accounting for around 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India by value over the implementation period.
The agreement provides tariff-free access to India for 57 per cent of New Zealand’s exports from day one, with the coverage rising to 82 per cent as commitments are fully phased in.
India has retained protection for several sensitive sectors, including dairy and certain agricultural products.
The FTA also contains provisions relating to investment, services and the movement of professionals, students and young people.
New Zealand has committed to facilitate investments of up to USD 20 billion in India over 15 years under the agreement.
New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said the pact would provide greater opportunities for businesses in both countries.
“The New Zealand-India FTA will level the playing field and unlock access for Kiwi businesses in one of the fastest-growing markets in the world,” McClay said.
He said the agreement would help New Zealand exporters diversify their markets amid uncertainty in global trade.
The two countries formally completed the ratification process on Monday, paving the way for the agreement to enter into force next month. New Zealand’s Parliament approved the legislation implementing the FTA on September 16.
The agreement follows negotiations that began in March 2025 and concluded in December 2025.
–ENDS–
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information. APAC Media is not responsible for investment decisions or losses. Please conduct your own research or consult a financial adviser before investing.
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